Rotorua shift for Maori TV a bizarre move

The bizarre idea to move Maori TV to Rotorua is either poor planning or possible political interference that adds to the perception of a service in crisis, says Labour MP for Tamaki Makaurau Peeni Henare.

“Moving Maori TV to Rotorua makes little commercial sense. Tamaki Makaurau is the heart of Maori news, represents all iwi and is an important base for journalists who need to travel easily and quickly to other parts of the country.

“If rental costs are the problem then the headquarters could move from Newmarket to Manukau or Henderson.

“The Rotorua move would mean a needless loss of jobs for Auckland-based journalists and Maori TV workers and will have flow-on effects to media industry and production companies here in Tamaki Makaurau.

“Big name journalists have already left Maori TV and staff morale is at an all-time low. The service appears to be in the midst of a crisis. As someone who used to work there, I am deeply saddened.

“The move to Rotorua smacks of political interference and iwi ideology. Or it is extremely poor planning.

“At the very least there must be consultation and transparency on the issue for workers at Maori TV and the people of Tamaki Makaurau,” says Peeni Henare.

ENDS

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